Gambia, The Budget Deficit
General government net lending/borrowing as % of GDP GGXCNL_NGDP
Gambia, The's budget deficit was -1.01% in 2025, ranked 44th globally. This represents a 75.2% increase from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 2000–2025.
Overview
Gambia, The's budget deficit stood at -1.01% in 2025, a rise of +3.07% from 2024. The IMF projects -1.01% by 2025. Gambia, The ranked 44th globally.
The Gambia’s primary fiscal balance has widened dramatically, moving from a modest surplus of 0.28 percent of GDP in 2007 to a deep deficit of –6.22 percent in 2016, the all‑time trough recorded over the 26‑year series. After a brief rebound to –0.09 percent in 2000, the deficit has persisted at elevated levels, reaching –1.01 percent in 2025, which places the country 44th globally among IMF WEO reporters. This recent figure is comparable to Djibouti’s –1.04 percent and Luxembourg’s –1.06 percent, reflecting a regional pattern of fiscal strain despite differing economic structures. The sharp swing from a surplus to a multi‑percentage‑point deficit coincides with the global financial crisis aftermath and subsequent domestic revenue shortfalls, suggesting that limited tax capacity and rising expenditure pressures have been decisive. Continued fiscal consolidation will depend on strengthening revenue administration and moderating spending growth; without such measures, the deficit trajectory is likely to remain negative in the near term.
Data & projection
| Year | Budget Deficit | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | -0.49% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | -0.50% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | -0.49% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | -0.49% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | -0.55% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | -1.01% | - | - |
| 2025 | -1.01% | +3.07% | #44 |
| 2024 | -4.08% | −0.39% | #60 |
| 2023 | -3.69% | +2.02% | #75 |
| 2022 | -5.72% | −0.95% | #42 |
| 2021 | -4.77% | −2.40% | #82 |
| 2020 | -2.37% | +0.38% | #161 |
| 2019 | -2.75% | +1.18% | #72 |
| 2018 | -3.92% | +0.43% | #46 |
| 2017 | -4.35% | +1.88% | #45 |
| 2016 | -6.22% | −0.85% | #32 |
| 2015 | -5.38% | −1.44% | #44 |
| 2014 | -3.94% | +1.17% | #59 |
| 2013 | -5.11% | −2.26% | #37 |
| 2012 | -2.85% | +0.18% | #82 |
| 2011 | -3.03% | −0.10% | #81 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Gambia, The matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw budget deficit improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Gambia, The's budget deficit was -1.01% in 2025. Ranked 44th globally. This represents a 75.2% increase from the previous year.
Gambia, The's budget deficit peaked at 0.28% in 2007.
The lowest budget deficit in Gambia, The was -6.22% in 2016.
Gambia, The ranks 44th globally in budget deficit as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXCNL_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
Gambia, The's budget deficit is projected to reach -1.01% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The budget deficit of Gambia, The in 2025 was -1.01%. This ranks 44th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_gambia-the_budget-deficit,
title = {Gambia, The Budget Deficit},
url = {https://historysaid.com/gambia-the/budget-deficit/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}